Chiara Marazzi
Post-Graduate School of Emergency-Urgency Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
Umberto Scoditti
Stroke Unit and Neurology Clinic, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
Andrea Ticinesi
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
and Internal Medicine and Critical Subacute Care Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
Antonio Nouvenne
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
and Internal Medicine and Critical Subacute Care Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
Federica Pigna
Post-Graduate School of Emergency-Urgency Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
Loredana Guida
Internal Medicine and Critical Subacute Care Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
Ilaria Morelli
Internal Medicine and Critical Subacute Care Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
Loris Borghi
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
Tiziana Meschi
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
and Internal Medicine and Critical Subacute Care Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
Keywords
transient global amnesia, episodic memory, hippocampus
Abstract
Transient Global Amnesia (TGA) is a clinical syndrome characterized by temporary inability to form new memories described as anterograde amnesia. It is associated with retrograde amnesia and repetitive questioning. During the attack patients remain conscious and communicative and personal identity is preserved. Focal neurological symptoms and epileptic features are absent and general conditions appear intact. The ability to store new memories gradually recovers and subjects return to normal conditions except for a substantial amnestic gap for the duration of the attack. TGA has an incidence of 3-8 per 100 000 people per year. It usually affects patients between the ages of 50 and 70 years, at an average age of 61 years; occurrence in patients younger than 40 years of age is rare. The rate of recurrence is between 6% and 10% per years. No gender prevalence has been recorded. The patients with definite TGA have a very good prognosis; their rate of subsequent major vascular events is less than 1% per year.
Abstract